Do you know the weight capacity of your forklift truck?

Every forklift truck has a weight limit and maximum capacity, and it is essential that you know this information, whether you are the owner of the truck, or lease it from a forklift hire company. Ignoring, or not knowing your trucks limits can cause malfunctions, or even serious accidents going forward.

Here we look at what exactly constitutes a forklift’s weight limit or capacity, and what can affect these figures.

FORKLIFT MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITY

This translates to the maximum weight or load that your forklift can safely carry, and this information will always be found on the load capacity data plate. Whatever happens, this maximum capacity should never be exceeded, but in addition there are other considerations which affect what you are carrying and how you are carrying it.

FORKLIFT LOAD CENTRE

The load centre is a figure, which effects how much your forklift can carry, and again this information will be found on your load capacity data plate. This figure refers to the maximum size of your load’s centre of gravity, and effects how stable the load will be on the truck. If the load centre is greater than the limit, this may cause the forklift to tip, causing serious damage and injury. If a large centre of gravity is essential, then you may still carry the load, but a new load capacity must be calculated as a result.

FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS

If you use an attachment to your forklift, then this could alter both your load capacity and the load centre too, so make sure you have all the details of the attachment so you can safely calculate the correct load limits. If you have an attachment, which doesn't provide the necessary information, then avoid using it, as the results could be dangerous if not calculated correctly.

LIFT HEIGHTS

A forklift truck with a high mast will usually have a data plate containing two different load capacities; one for a low height and one for its maximum carrying height. This allows the operator to calculate the maximum loads, when using the truck at different heights. Low-level loads will generally have higher maximum weight limits, whereas higher-level loads will have lighter weight limits.

Always speak to your forklift truck hire company for advice if you need it.